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Jan 16, 2025 | Michael Jestadt

Energy-efficient HVAC Systems

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, heating and air conditioning consume a lot of energy, which is around 65% of the energy used in homes. Upgrading your HVAC system is a great way to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce energy costs. To meet the growing demand for efficiency, HVAC companies are creating better, energy-saving systems. In this article, we have mentioned some of the most common energy-efficient HVAC systems for your reference. So, let’s get into the topic for detailed information.

Energy Efficient HVAC Systems

1. Heat Pumps

Heat pumps provide heating and cooling, which can be set according to the outside temperature. They generally have 20-25 of the SEER ratings. The types of heat pumps are mentioned below:

• Air-source: The heat pumps that circulate heat from the outside to the inside during the winter and reciprocate during the summer.
• Absorption Heat Pumps: Absorption heat pumps work similarly to air-source heat pumps, but instead of using electricity, they depend on fuel sources like natural gas or propane.
• Geothermal: Geothermal heat pumps use the temperature of the earth instead of outside air. No matter how hot or cold it is outside, the temperature just a few feet underground stays the same.
• Ductless Mini-split: Ductless mini-split systems comprise two main parts: an outdoor compressor and an indoor unit for air handling. They can be easily installed and are super efficient in terms of energy saving. Ductless mini-split systems are not suitable for large spaces and work well for small to medium-sized rooms.

2. High-efficiency Furnaces

High-efficiency furnaces are great at using fuel efficiently. They have an AFUE rating of 90% or higher and use every ml of fuel in usable energy. The fuel wastage will be very minimal. This means you get the most out of your fuel, which helps you use less energy, save money on bills, and reduce your environmental impact.

3. High-efficiency Central Air Conditioners

Most people who own large homes opt for high-efficiency central air conditioners because they work with duct systems. During summer, they work similar to heat pumps, moving heat from inside your home to the outside. But if you are using a central air conditioning device, you need a furnace system to heat your home in winter. Central air conditioners with good energy efficiency usually have SEER ratings of around 20.

4. High Velocity Systems

High-velocity systems are air-handling units and are great energy-efficient systems. They do not provide heating to the living space and must be paired with another air source like any heating system. High-velocity systems provide a steady flow of air, helping to eliminate hot spots in rooms while using less energy over time. Like ductless systems, they are a great option for homes without existing ductwork or enough space to install ducts.

How to Choose the Best High-Efficiency HVAC System

Most of us aren’t sure of how to choose the best HVAC system that is energy efficient. Below, we have mentioned some parameters you can rely on to choose the most efficient HVAC system you need.

• Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF): HSPF measures how well a heat pump heats your home. A higher HSPF means the system is more efficient.
• Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER): SEER measures how efficiently a heat pump cools your home. The higher the SEER, the better the system’s cooling efficiency.
• ENERGY STAR Rating: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supports the ENERGY STAR rating system for energy efficiency. Heat pumps with the ENERGY STAR label have high-efficiency ratings.

The above ratings show an HVAC system’s energy efficiency, but they aren’t the only factors to consider while choosing the best HVAC system for your home. Other factors, like the size of your home, the number of people living in the home, and the climate, also have a significant impact.

Tips for Improving your HVAC system’s efficiency

After choosing the best HVAC system, you must follow a few additional steps to improve your system’s efficiency. The tips are mentioned below:

Proper Installation and Ducting

Proper installation and ducting greatly impact the system’s performance. Ensure that a professional installs the HVAC system properly and that the ductwork is well sealed. These might be small steps, but they can create a large impact.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is very important if you have an HVAC system. It is similar to changing engine oil and tires for your vehicle. By doing so, you can prevent costly repairs. So, schedule regular tune-ups and ensure filter replacement for smooth functioning of the HVAC system.

Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats act as GPS for your HVAC system. By using smart thermostats, we can have total control over the device, which can save energy. Customize your home settings and improve the energy efficiency of the system.

Use Fans When Required

Even efficient HVAC systems can benefit from using a ceiling or a portable fan to lower your energy bill. A fan can make the air 4 degrees cooler, so you can set your thermostat a little higher in the summer and save on electricity.

Save Energy with Smart Heating and Air Conditioning

Upgrade your HVAC system and reduce your energy bills. By carefully selecting the systems and implementing the tips and strategies mentioned above, you can make your home comfortable and reduce energy costs. If you are looking for the best energy-efficient HVAC systems or HVAC tune-ups for your living space, we can help! At Smart Heating and Air Conditioning, we have the best energy-efficient equipment that suits your home environment. Look no further and contact us for a free quote.